Reviews for Lucy Rose : Busy Like You Can't Believe

Booklist Reviews 2006 October #2Kelly's third offering in the Lucy Rose series finds Lucy, entering the fourth grade, fascinated by palindromes, perplexed by the multiplication tables, upset because she fears her divorced mother may be dating, and unable to control her insatiable eavesdropping. Luckily, she is surrounded by a supportive family and by teachers who understand her naivete. A sort of literary cousin to Junie B. Jones, Lucy Rose is one of those appealing protagonists whose authentic voice speaks directly to readers. A great choice for kids in the mood to laugh out loud. ((Reviewed October 15, 2006)) Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews.

----------------------Horn Book Guide Reviews 2007 SpringIn this third Lucy Rose installment, the bubbly, "super busy," fourth-grade palindrome lover copes with the dramas of nine-year-old life (trying out for the school musical, dealing with a dating parent, confronting bullies). Lucy's first-person storytelling, relayed in hyper run-on sentences, will either exhaust or delight young readers. The detailed pencil drawings are humorous but too dark for the book's tone. Copyright 2007 Horn Book Guide Reviews.

----------------------Kirkus Reviews 2006 July #2Now in fourth grade, the spunky, confident Lucy Rose continues her journal through the Thanksgiving school break. In her familiar chatty style, the curly red-head talks about her daily life, focusing on three pressing issues. She's convinced she will play the role of Annie in the school musical play, but is sorely disappointed to be cast as the despicable Miss Hannigan. Her eavesdropping leads to the concern that her best friend Jonique will be moving because Mrs. McBee has gambled the family nest egg away. Worst of all, a "MAN," Ned Eastman, keeps calling and sounding like her divorced mother's new boyfriend. Kelly writes with a dual sophistication that offers the voice of a child's innocently misconstrued perceptions about language, coupled with some laughable adult-oriented verbal nuances to cause any parent reading aloud silent chuckles. Returning secondary characters of Melonhead, Pop, Madam, Glamma and, of course, Dad in Ann Arbor, Mich. all contribute to this nine-year-old's outlook on life, school, relationships, "P-U multiplication tables" and all those palindromes. Graduating fans of Gooney Bird Greene will eagerly expect more updates on Lucy Rose's accomplishments. (Fiction. 7-10) Copyright Kirkus 2006 Kirkus/BPI Communications.All rights reserved.

----------------------Publishers Weekly Reviews 2006 November #1Now in fourth grade, Lucy Rose, with what PW's starred review called "a truly original perspective-and voice," is Busy Like You Can't Believe by Katy Kelly, illus. by Adam Rex. Busybody, perhaps, is a better word for the eavesdropping gal, who worries that her mother may be dating. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

----------------------School Library Journal Reviews 2006 October

Gr 3-4 In this addition to the series, Lucy discovers that fourth grade is full of new experiences. Through brief diary entries, she provides interesting stories. She also describes her curiosity and desire to eavesdrop on her mother and neighbors. Based on her snooping, she worries that her mother has begun dating, fears that her best friend is moving away, and is convinced that a friend's mother has a gambling problem. As events unfold, the truth is revealed and Lucy is relieved when she learns that her fears were all false and promises to stop spying. The uncomplicated text contains hilarious episodes, such as descriptions of toilet repairs and exploding Halloween costumes. Lucy does not filter her thoughts and feelings, and readers know when she's angry, excited, happy, and embarrassed. Rex's occasional full-page illustrations add humor and verve. The book's conversational tone is ideal for reluctant readers, and fans of the series will welcome this installment.Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI